ICRISAT Centre of Excellence for South-South Cooperation in Agriculture (ISSCA)

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June 04, 2025

ICRISAT Centre of Excellence for South-South Cooperation in Agriculture (ISSCA)

ICRISAT and RIS launched ISSCA to boost South-South agricultural innovation and signed an MoU with DAKSHIN to enhance collaboration and scalable agri-solutions in dryland regions.

DAKSHIN

  • DAKSHIN stands for Development and Knowledge Sharing Initiative, a Government of India-led platform to strengthen South-South Cooperation in development sectors, including agriculture.
  • DAKSHIN was launched in 2023 
  • The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) is the nodal ministry for DAKSHIN, with operational support from partner institutions like RIS (Research and Information System for Developing Countries).
  • Features
    • DAKSHIN functions as a digital knowledge-sharing platform offering access to scalable, sustainable, and replicable development solutions.
    • It promotes peer learning, capacity building, and partnership facilitation among countries of the Global South.

About the New Centre

  • Named- ICRISAT Centre of Excellence for South-South Cooperation in Agriculture (ISSCA).
  • Based in Hyderabad, India.
  • Objective: Aims to translate agricultural research into practical solutions that can be scaled up.
    • Will act as a hub for sharing India’s agricultural expertise with other developing countries.
    • Seeks to democratize agricultural knowledge and turn learnings into policy recommendations.
    • Supports countries looking to develop their private seed industry.

About International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT)

  • It is a premier international agricultural research organization working to improve livelihoods in dryland areas.
  • Establishment: ICRISAT was established in 1972 as a nonprofit, international organization and is a part of the CGIAR network.
    • Its headquarters is located in Hyderabad, India.
  • Members: ICRISAT is supported by a consortium of over 60 countries, including India, and partners with national governments, regional organizations, and development agencies worldwide.
  • Objectives
    • It focuses on developing climate-resilient crops such as sorghum, millet, chickpea, and pigeon pea suited to semi-arid tropics.
    • It aims to enhance food security, reduce poverty, and promote sustainable agriculture through scientific research and technology transfer.

About RIS (Research and Information System for Developing Countries)

  • It is an autonomous policy research institute based in Delhi.
  • Establishment: First set up May 1983 in New Delhi as a registered society for leading policy research.
    • In 1983, created after recommendation from Seventh Conference of Heads of State or Government of Non-Aligned Countries.
  • Objectives: Support South-South Cooperation among developing nations. 
    • Engage in regional economic partnership. 
  • Key Areas of Research
    • Global Economic Governance and Cooperation
    • Trade, Investment, and Economic Cooperation
    • Technology and Development Issues
    • Regional Connectivity and Trade Facilitation

UN FAO’s Role in South-South Cooperation

  • Global Facilitator: The UN Food and Agriculture Organization supports over 100 countries with technical cooperation and institutional frameworks.
  • Key Interventions: FAO promotes sustainable agriculture, resilience to climate change, and knowledge sharing among Global South partners.
    • FAO-China SSC Programme: One of the largest global SSC programs, facilitating agricultural experts, demonstration farms, and technology transfer.
    • FAO-Brazil Programme: Supports hunger eradication and school feeding programs in Latin America and Africa.
    • FAO-India Triangular Partnership: Promotes digital agriculture and climate-smart farming practices in African and Asian nations.
  • Impact: Helps in scaling up climate-smart, low-cost technologies across Asia, Africa, and Latin America.

Challenges of the Global South in the Agriculture Sector

  • Climate Stress: Droughts, erratic rainfall, and rising temperatures affect crop productivity.
  • Resource Constraints: Limited access to capital, inputs, infrastructure, and modern technology.
  • Food Security Gaps: Persistent hunger and undernutrition due to production shortfalls and poor supply chains.
  • Policy and  Knowledge Barriers: Fragmented research and weak extension systems hinder dissemination of innovations.

India’s Global Leadership in Agri-Innovation

  • Strategic Initiatives: Platforms like DAKSHIN support development partnerships and training across Global South nations.
  • Institutional Strength: ICAR and DARE actively collaborate with international research organizations to transfer sustainable agri-solutions.
  • Digital Agri-Tech: India leads in deploying low-cost digital platforms and climate-smart technologies tailored for smallholder farmers globally.

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UDAAN PRELIMS WALLAH
Comprehensive coverage with a concise format
Integration of PYQ within the booklet
Designed as per recent trends of Prelims questions
हिंदी में भी उपलब्ध

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